From the furthest northerly point at North Cape to the metropolitan excitement of Tromso, these two fylkes have a great range of surprises waiting for you. Explore this post to get inspired for your next cruise in these magical regions of Norway.
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Troms
Harstad
This island town lies on Norway's largest island - Hinnøya. The former Viking stronghold is today the cultural beacon of the Troms region. Those feeling energetic will head straight to climb Keipen, which provides a magnificent view of the archipelago and mountains and instantly immerses cruisers in the gorgeous nature of the area. More adventures can be had on a kayaking or canoeing tour, where cruisers can explore the area's calm waters and hidden coves. There are also several boats offering whale watching and back on land, the chance to head on a reindeer safari. For a sense of the culture in the town, the Harstad Art Museum has paintings from locals and international artists, while the Sami Parliament Building offers an insight into the Sami way of life and how the indigenous population connect to the wonders of nature which surround their home. With its northerly position, many people also come to Harstad for a chance to see the phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
Tromsø
Tromsø is renowned as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic'. Sitting 217 miles above the Arctic Circle, there's a surprising amount of things to do and see here in the capital city of the North, which is why it is so popular with people all around the world. Between November and January, the sun never rises in Tromsø and it's this time when it really comes alive! People flock to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights over the gorgeous city and mountains. In the summer, the Midnight Sun reigns and the area comes alive with activities. There's water sports aplenty (just head to Telegrafbukta bay), hiking trails over the mountains and cultural festivals to celebrate. One of the best cultural spots is the Arctic Cathedral, a landmark triangular building which holds concerts throughout the year. Other great options include the Polar Museum, which tells the stories of Arctic explorers, local life and the latest polar research, the Mount Storsteinen cable car for panoramic views (there's also the option of climbing up the 1,200 steps yourself) and the Arctic University Museum, which explores the scientific wonders of the Arctic. Discover the power of the Northern Lights, see huge local fossils and explore Tromsø's Viking finds. is renowned as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic'. Sitting 217 miles above the Arctic Circle, there's a surprising amount of things to do and see here in the capital city of the North, which is why it is so popular with people all around the world. Between November and January, the sun never rises in Tromsø and it's this time when it really comes alive! People flock to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights over the gorgeous city and mountains. In the summer, the Midnight Sun reigns and the area comes alive with activities. There's water sports aplenty (just head to Telegrafbukta bay), hiking trails over the mountains and cultural festivals to celebrate. One of the best cultural spots is the Arctic Cathedral, a landmark triangular building which holds concerts throughout the year. Other great options include the Polar Museum, which tells the stories of Arctic explorers, local life and the latest polar research, the Mount Storsteinen cable car for panoramic views (there's also the option of climbing up the 1,200 steps yourself) and the Arctic University Museum, which explores the scientific wonders of the Arctic. Discover the power of the Northern Lights, see huge local fossils and explore Tromsø's Viking finds.
Finnmark
Alta
Alta is synonymous with the Northern Lights. Cruisers come from all over the world to see this natural phenomenon and they are rarely disappointed with the display in the skies. There's not even a need to stand in the cold to see them - the Northern Lights Cathedral was the first observatory built to view the Aurora Borealis. Yet this isn't all the city of Alta has to offer. Throughout the year, there's plenty to see and do in this northern region of Norway. Since the Stone Age, Alta has been inhabited by the Sami indigenous tribes, who created some of the world's oldest rock paintings just outside the city, now in an exhibition at the Alta Museum. There are over 6,000 examples in the area, with the oldest being over 7,000 years old. For more recent history, the Tirpitz museum chronicles the German battleship which anchored just off the city for nearly two years. Heading out of Alta, a popular excursion is to the Sautso-Alta Canyon, the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. The best way to explore is to hike the plateau, where reindeers roam freely in this unique 400m gorge and if more wildlife is craved, there's also many opportunities in Alta to see huskies or head out on a whale-watching trip.
Hammerfest
It's a rare treat to visit Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town. Days of sailing through true wilderness will take you to this surprisingly large town above both Tromso and Alta. After departing the ship, the best way to start your day is with a walk to the top of Salen Hill, which rewards cruisers with a stunning panorama - a great way to get your bearings. After this, there's so many more places to discover. The Struve Geodetic Arc begins in Hammerfest and stretches all the way down to the Black Sea. This chain of stations enabled scientists to measure the size of Earth in the nineteenth century and the Hammerfest station, Meridianstøtten, is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History fans will also enjoy the Museum of Reconstruction, which tells the story of how the town was rebuilt after Nazi destruction, and the small but significant Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society. Membership to the society can only be bought by visiting Hammerfest in person and for around £15, you can become part of polar history and get a rare polar bear pin and certificate.
Honnigsvåg
Honnigsvåg is a world away from the towns of southern Norway. This town in the northern Finnmark region of the country is both in the Arctic Circle and above the tree line. Quaint colourful houses overlook the Barents Sea in Honningsvåg, which is the gateway to the North Cape - Europe's most northerly point. From the town, a trip to this special location takes just an hour. Once there, visitors can watch the Atlantic and Arctic oceans collide from the top of a 307m cliff and know they are in a place of significance to which people have pilgrimaged to for over 300 years. Only Svalbard lies between this point and the North Pole - no wonder it really feels like the end of the world. Birdwatchers can travel further west to see the birds of Gjesværstappan, which include puffins, kittiwakes and the northern fulmar. Back in the town, the North Cape Museum tells the stories of the area, from the time of the Stone Age to the modern day, including details of the church, the only building standing after World War II, and the ritual of shipping reindeer to their spring pastures on Magerøy Island. After a day of exploring, the local cuisine is a welcome sight. Freshly-caught king crab is a local delicacy and one that shellfish lovers must not miss. Cruisers also come to the area for a glimpse of the Northern Lights, which often make an appearance between November and March.
Kristiansund
Spanning four islands, Kirstiansund looks out across the vast Norwegian Sea. To experience its location to the fullest, hire a car or head on an excursion along the Atlantic Road which connects the surrounding islands in a feat of engineering. Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet, the four islands of Kristiansund, were heavily bombed in WWII but have since been rebuilt in the transitional, colourful style, making the area beautiful when masked in snow or bathed in sunshine. Walking around the districts, it's impossible to miss the regional dish of clipfish, which is responsible for the town's prosperity. Made primarily of cod or haddock, the fish is salted, dried and pressed, creating a unique flavour profile. Have a taste of clipfish balls, stew or enjoy it fried with chips and after, visit the dedicated Clipfish Museum and get a photo with the famous statue of the Clipfish Woman who proudly dominates the entrance to the pier. Another must in the city is to ride the free Sundbåten ferry around the four islands for a unique perspective of the area or, in the summer, ride a 40 minute boat to the island of Grip to see a fishing village preserved in time with a quaint church and cosy cafes. Those looking for a hike will find an easy route back on the main islands in Kringsjå and Vanndamman parks. Both the forest and sea can be admired whilst following the gravel paths around the picturesque ponds and up to the Varden viewpoint tower. A bigger challenge would be to head up the steps of Kvernberget, with its stunning view of fjords and mountains from 205 metres above sea level.
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